Start Here: PulseSensor Kit

1. Identify the parts

Your kit includes a PulseSensor with attached color-coded cable, TPU Stabilizer Ring, Velcro finger strap, ear clip, and transparent vinyl insulation dots. A development board and computer are not included.

2. Prepare the sensor before skin contact

Do not place exposed electronics against skin. Apply an included transparent vinyl dot to the sensor face and fully insulate the rear electronics using the preparation materials and method supplied for your current kit. If the correct preparation method for your kit is unclear, email support@pulsesensor.com before use.

3. Connect to a compatible analog input

• Purple: analog signal
• Red: power; follow your board's voltage guidance
• Black: ground

PulseSensor requires an analog input (ADC). Board-specific voltage, ADC, pin, and software setup may be required.

4. See the waveform before calculating BPM

1. Install PulseSensor Playground from Arduino Library Manager.
2. Open the library's current Getting Started example for your supported board.
3. Select the correct board and port, upload, and open Serial Plotter at the example's documented baud rate.
4. Use light, steady contact and wait 5-10 seconds for a repeating waveform.
5. Move to BPM-based examples only after the raw waveform is stable.

5. If the signal is flat or noisy

• Recheck signal, power, ground, selected analog pin, board, port, and example.
• Keep your hand still and use light, steady pressure.
• Check that the front and rear electronics are fully insulated.
• Reduce strong ambient light and reseat the sensor in the ring or strap.
• Verify the raw waveform before changing BPM thresholds or filters.

Need help?

For product and setup help, email support@pulsesensor.com. Include your development board, a wiring photo, the example name, a raw Serial Plotter screenshot, and what you expected to happen.

For reproducible library defects, use PulseSensorPlayground Issues.